Polysomnographic Techncn

Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Medical Director or his designee and Lead Technologist and in accordance with established policies and procedures performs clinical testing on patients to determine presence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes. Sets up and calibrates testing equipment; prepares patient; conducts polysomnographic tests; monitors patient condition; reviews scores interprets and prepares written summary of results. Sets up and operates videotaping equipment.

Responsibilities:
Receives and reviews requests for polysomnographic testing. Prepares laboratory and obtains supplies to accommodate number of patients scheduled for testing.

Sets up and calibrates testing and treatment equipment: PC-driven digital polygraph blood oxygen saturation oximeter capnograph Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/Bi-Level airway management equipment and videotaping equipment according to established procedures.

Explains procedure to patient and family members present to gain patient cooperation and to allay anxiety; assure calm quiet environment to allow patient to enter natural (non-medication-induced) sleep.

Places and attaches electrodes to patients scalp face chest and abdomen to standard placement locations; externally attaches ear clip; and depending on physician request attaches face mask or inserts nasal probe. May insert esophageal balloon as indicated by physician. Visually checks electrode placement for accuracy to prevent false readings. Positions videotaping equipment to film chest and abdominal breathing pattern accurately.

Operates PC-driven digital polysomnograph for the purpose of: recording patient's stages of sleep (8-10 hours); real-time analysis of obstructive sleep apnea to ascertain the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and then initiate protocol-driven treatment with continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway treatment using Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) and flow volume loops.

Reviews output making adjustments as necessary to produce tracings of multiple variables including electroencephalogram electro-oculogram sub-mental electromyogram heart rate nasal and oral airflow respiratory effort end-tidal PCO2 and oxygen saturation.

Monitor's patient's progress (normally involves monitoring and testing more than one patient at a time) remaining alert for extended apneic episodes distress and signs or repiratory arrest. Alerts physician and/or code team as necessary and initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation if indicated.

Reviews scores and interprets final tracing by identifying sleep stages as determined by following pre-set criteria: number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and per sleep stage; number of arousals; and presence and severity of hypoximia and arrhythmias. Summarizes and prepares written report of results for additional evaluation by physician.

Mintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance and makes minor adjustments and repairs; makes arrangements for major repair as necessary. Participates in evaluation of and provides input into recommendations for puchase of new or additional supplies and equipment.

Participates in sleep-related clinical research studies providing assistance in similar testing and interpretation activities as well as with computer-assisted analysis of results.

Maintains quality assurance safety environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies procedures and objectives.

Performs other related duties as required.

Other information:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

The level of knowledge normally obtained through completion of an Associates Degree in Respiratory Care Biology Health Sciences or the successful completion of a Polysomnographic certification program or the equivalent. Registration preferred.

Thorough understanding and competent application of PC-driven digital polysomnography protocols (including RIP and flow volume loops). Expertise in the understanding and application of pulmonary flow volume loops for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Ability to initiate and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. BLS certification.

Personal Computer skills required.

Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical safety.

Knowledge of and ability to perform polysomnographic testing procedures including ability to maintain equipment and instruct others in proper testing.

Knowledge of sleep staging and analytical ability to interpret and prepare written summary of results for further evaluation by physician.

Interpersonal skills to explain procedures to give instructions and to calm patient effectively in order to ensure a natural sleep process.

Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate calibrate set up and perform minor repairs and adjustments on equipment.

Ability to monitor closely recognize and assess changes in a patient*s condition for signs of respiratory distress or arrest.

Ability to assist in moving or positioning patients.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

Six months previous experience as a polysomnographic technician respiratory care technician or similar Allied Health experience involved in patient care.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Generally good; works in sleep laboratory setting.

Ability to stand for period of time necessary to perform job duties

Ability to sit for long period of time in front of a computer

Ability to remain focused and alert during shift hours

Ability to maintain focus on a computer for period of time to record quality recordings.

Ability to lift and /or manipulate 50 pounds.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: Shift 3

Union: UNAP